Sumlin has reason for starting spring practice late

COLLEGE STATION – With some programs already engaged in spring practice this week, Texas A&M’s spring drills don’t start until March 31 and wrap up on April 28 with the Maroon & White game at Kyle Field.

There’s a reason they’re late in the spring. First-year coach Kevin Sumlin explained to me this morning now is the time for strength and conditioning coach Larry Jackson to work his magic, in whipping the players into shape leading up to the drills.

“I thought it was more important to do it that way,” Sumlin said.

Plus, Sumlin just hired his defensive line coach – former A&M defensive lineman Terry Price – last week, so his final staff has just come together.

Part of Sumlin’s spring practice plans include a “Friday Night Lights” scrimmage on April 20 at Kyle. That weekend will also include another “junior day” for recruits.

“When the setting is more like a game, the more you can tell about the players,” Sumlin said of why he wanted the Friday night scrimmage under the lights of Kyle and in front of what’s likely to be a large crowd (the event is also the weekend of Aggie Muster).

Sumlin added that scrimmages will be open to fans, with practices typically closed (standard in college football, despite Mike Sherman’s open practices).

I’m writing my weekly column on the Aggies finally having a set schedule – with Arkansas at Kyle Field this season – so there will be much more on that on Thursday morning, and Sumlin also addressed opening with Louisiana Tech in Shreveport, La., as he becomes the first A&M coach to start his career on the road since Emory Bellard 40 years ago.